Being able to eat the foods you love is just one important part of having healthy teeth. They also play a significant role in the shape of your face, how clearly you speak, and the first impressions others have of you. Keeping them healthy requires consistent oral hygiene care with twice daily brushing, mouthwash, and flossing. Seeing your dentist twice a year is another essential part of preventing the onset of tooth decay. Without these crucial visits, keeping oral disease at bay can be challenging.
The Role Of Your Dentist’s Tools In Your Care
As technology has advanced, many tools have been added to your dentist’s kit. As dental health became better understood, steps were taken to address newly discovered issues. Better techniques and tools were developed to help improve care for those already known. Today the most common tools in your dental office include:
- Digital Scanner – Dentists used to rely on a hand-held light and a mirror to examine your oral cavity. No matter how thorough they were, this handicapped their ability to identify problems. Digital scanners have arrived to significantly reduce the possibility that any dental problems will be missed. These devices appear similar to an electric toothbrush but have a camera mounted at the tip of the boom. Using these, a near-perfect 3d rendering of your oral cavity can be created in minutes.
- Laser Dentistry – In the earliest days of dentistry, a hand drill was used on teeth when necessary. The first ‘powered’ drill was a clockwork device the dentist would wind up to produce the necessary vibration. Eventually, the pneumatic drill was developed with its characteristic whine. Today both vibration and whine are a thing of the past. Modern dental offices use dental lasers for a growing range of treatments. These devices make procedures quicker and more comfortable and shorten healing times.
- Digital X-Rays – X-ray technology has been used in dentistry for nearly a century. Modern innovations, however, have significantly reduced the amount of radiation needed to produce a helpful image. Digital dentistry uses a fraction of the radiation of the earlier models while producing high-quality digital images that can be studied from any angle. These images can be sent to other professionals without risk of losing the originals and can be provided to patients by request.
These three incredible innovations have come to dental care over the past hundred years. Each represents a significant leap forward in the quality and effectiveness of the care dental professionals can provide to their patients.
Learn About The Tools Your Dentist Uses
If you’re curious about what tools your dentist uses, contact their office for a consultation today. They’ll arrange for you to tour the office, meet the staff, and explain the tools used as part of your care. You can also learn their opinion of the latest technologies and which ones they plan to incorporate. Learning more about the tools your dentist uses can make every visit more comfortable and enjoyable.
